“Why, because he’s put a bounty on you? I’m not trying to
marry his daughter Arius, I’m just expanding my business.”

“And you would sabotage the ship for that! We’re stranded
here with no way off this planet.”

“I have faith that things will work out, and for the record,
we didn’t sabotage the ship. But I’m sure I know who.”

Their senses perked as something moved outside the
warehouse, and the thudding sound of a flying machine could be heard nearby. It
was likely the leather clad soldiers heard the gunshot when Dueson shot
Brockumus, and they were probably on their way now.

“They’re here to kill you Arius,” Brockumus said, realizing
his exposure. “He set you up to turn the others against you.”

“But that’s not why you tried to kill me,” Dueson
interrupted. “You’re the one that sabotaged the ship, which tells me you have
another interest besides protecting Arius.”

“You’re stretching.”

“Am I? I read your background before arriving here, and I
know a forged history when I see one. It’s prestigious enough to guarantee your
acceptance on this mission, but subtle enough to avoid unnecessary attention.”

“You don’t have a clue what you’re coming against. I was
sent on this mission to ensure success, and thus far you’ve done nothing but
impede that success for nothing but money.”

“I guess there’s enough guilt to go around then.”

The sound of the flying machine grew closer, and Arius knew
their position would be compromised shortly.

“I’m sorry, but it’s time to end this,” said Dueson. “I’ll
tell the others that you were killed by those leather wearing monsters.”

Arius grew tense and he spotted the handgun hidden behind
Brockumus’ unzipped jacket. The flying machine outside passed overhead; its
lights flashed through the far windows casting their shadows against the
surrounding junk.

Brockumus passed through Ruekrow’s hold, grabbing his
handgun from behind his jacket, and spun around to shove the muzzle into Ruekrow’s
side where he fired a round into his chest. Dueson shouted as he watched his
brother fall, and fired at Brockumus who fired a second shot past Arius.

Dueson cried as the round ripped past his right arm while
Brockumus remained unscathed. Arius stepped to the side with his rifle passing
between the two men. Dueson had dropped his weapon, and cradled his arm as he
looked to his dying brother behind Brockumus. Ruekrow was still alive, but
coughing up blood which flooded his lungs.

“Kill him Arius!” Brockumus demanded, keeping his gun toward
Dueson.

The flying machine could still be heard outside, and Arius
thought he could feel dozens of hostiles bearing toward the warehouse.

“Who are you working for?” Arius demanded, finding the
muzzle of his rifle aimed toward the man alone.

“I’m not the bad guy Arius,” he returned. “Dueson and his
brother were hired to kill you, and they set you up.”

“But you sabotaged the ship.”

“I don’t have time to explain my actions.”

“Ruekrow!” Dueson cried, watching his brother suffocate on
the ground. “You’re going to pay for this Brockumus.”

“Arius, kill him now or I will!” demanded Brockumus.

Arius was hesitant to lower his rifle. Dueson was there to
kill him, but Brockumus had sabotaged the mission. As far as he was concerned
they were both dangerous.

Arius’ eyes glanced toward Ruekrow who reached for his
handgun lying next to him. He grabbed the gun, finding a final source of
strength, and raised it toward Brockumus who felt it. Both Dueson and Arius
shouted as Brockumus stepped back and fired another round into Ruekrow’s chest
finishing him for good, but several more shots fired as Dueson had retrieved
his weapon.

Brockumus stumbled back, and blood spilled from the three
holes in his chest. He nearly collapsed to the floor, but caught himself on a
beam before disappearing around the corner where archaic looking machinery
rusted away.

Dueson hurried to his brother as more hostiles
began to storm into the warehouse. They were hidden among the vast amount of
junk, but soon the leather soldiers would come upon them. Arius grabbed the
fallen gas tank, and looked toward Dueson who knelt by his dead brother. The
man wept, and Arius felt guilt as he slipped away into the darkness. Be sure to check out my book, Ground of Oam, at amazon. You can buy both Kindle and paperback here.

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About Me

My full name is Paul Andrew Lackey, but most people call me Andrew. Born into a family of five (three siblings), I have grown up in the ministry. My vision is for the church as I wish to see true reformation back to God's word, and I am continually excited to see how God is moving in the world abroad.

I love to write and teach, and I have recently published a science fiction fantasy book that is a part of a greater series my brother and I have been working on over the years. Inspired by the adventures we had as children, Oam's Cry is a series spanning hundreds of years. Adventuring across strange worlds, mysterious islands, and haunted lands to outer space, and lost space stations, Oam's Cry has many worlds and mysteries to explore.

About this blog

My main purpose for starting this blog is as an advertisement front for my book series Oam's Cry. I also mean to meet fellow authors and writers along the way. I will try and post something frequently and look forward to seeing you around.